Simon Levi, a Jewish immigrant pawnbroker builds up a successful business.[5] His daughter Ruth marries stockbroker Richard Eagan. They are swindled by stockbroker Paul Groode, and forced to labor in the streets to make financial ends meet. Eventually, they achieve retribution against Groode and the movie ends happily for the stockbrokers.[6][7]
The film was a serious financial disappointment for the Fox Film company. Made on a budget of $304,000, it took $317,000 worldwide which led to a $106,000 loss once distribution cost are factored in. This was the worst performance by a Fox film that year.[2]
Reception
The Film Daily wrote, "The David Belasco stage play became famous more for the acting of David Warfield than for the importance of the play itself and so the picture becomes entertaining because of the characterization of George Sidney rather than for the story it tells.[9] The theme is slight and of the familiar Abie's Irish Rose variety. But Sidney's fine acting, his typical Jewish humor, plus a quantity of first class comedy incident, makes the picture satisfying. The introduction of the kangaroo offers one of the best laugh sequences of the picture. There is the usual heart interest twist and the happy ending."[3]
Moving Picture World said, "So far as the plot interest is concerned it is considerably drawn out and moves forward rather slowly. More emphasis has been placed on the comedy but it is principally on the characterization of George Sidney that the audience appeal depends, and he certainly gives an excellent performance... This simple little story is rich in human interest and emotional appeal and George Sidney gives a performance that alternately plays upon the emotions and keeps the spectator in smiles."[10]
Variety wrote, "The Auctioneer has enough in its favor to make it a worthwhile major house booking. It is a wholesome picture, has comedy and pathos. Photographically it is splendid [...] Sidney stands out all the way and the continuity gets a gouge here and there to permit him a few extra comedy bits. The theme is deftly handled".[11]
Writing for Chicago Daily Tribune, Mae Tinee wrote, "The Auctioneer is a homely, heartsome picture that will linger pleasantly in your memory" and commented that a fighting kangaroo was the funniest thing in the film.[12]
A review in the Woodward Daily Press of Woodward, Oklahoma said, "Alfred E. Green, who directed the production, took advantage of every opportunity to make the picture more life-like and human, at the same time losing none of the spirit of the original play. It is, according to advance reports, one of the best pictures of its kind ever produced and promises to create as big a sensation as the play".[13]
References
^"Fine Cast Appears". La Crosse Tribune And Leader Press. 17 April 1927. Retrieved 18 July 2020.
^"Film Review: The Auctioneer". Variety. February 2, 1927. p. 19 – via Proquest.
^Tinee, Mae (January 24, 1927). "Old Warfield Stage Success Turned Into First Class Film". Chicago Daily Tribune. p. 19 – via Proquest.
^"Belasco's Play New Film Epic: The Auctioneer at Pastime Monday, Tuesday Human Interest Drama". Woodward Daily Press. Woodward, Oklahoma. July 23, 1927. p. 4 – via Newspapers.com.
Bibliography
Solomon, Aubrey. The Fox Film Corporation, 1915-1935: A History and Filmography. McFarland, 2011.
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